A DERMATOLOGIST has helped her clients regain their confidence using little-known hair growth tricks.
She revealed that two of the most popular hair care ingredients are not as effective as many believe.
Ellie Rashid is a UK-based consultant dermatologist with extensive experience in treating hair loss.
In conversation with The US Sun, she revealed her top tips for healthy hair.
“The most common cause of hair loss is called male/female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia,” she said.
“This is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.
“Hair diameter decreases and hair follicles shrink. There is a genetic susceptibility to this condition.
“In women, the age of onset is from the age of 40, but in some it can develop earlier, and in men it occurs in the late teens or early 20s.
“However, the onset and progression of androgenetic alopecia can vary significantly between individuals.
“Hormonal fluctuations can also cause hair loss, as pregnancy and thyroid disorders disrupt the hair growth cycle and more strands enter the shedding phase.
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“This is usually temporary.
“An autoimmune cause of hair loss is alopecia areata, then there are less common causes of hair loss such as medications, poor nutrition and scalp infections.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Dr. Rashid said patients often ask if they should take biotin supplements.
However, it is unlikely to improve hair health in people who do not have a deficiency.
She warned that the vitamin may also have an undesirable effect on other health problems.
Caffeine and saw palmetto, often found in topical hair growth treatments, are best suited for early-stage hair loss.
Dr.
“Biotin can falsely elevate T3 and T4 levels and therefore suppress TSH [thyroid stimulating hormone] which can cause an incorrect diagnosis of an overactive thyroid or mask an underactive thyroid,” she said.
“This effect is lost 48 hours after stopping biotin supplements.
“A balanced diet rich in proteins such as meat, fish, eggs and legumes, vitamins and minerals is important for overall hair health.”
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
“There are some home remedies that can block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the testosterone-derived hormone that can cause hair follicles to miniaturize,” said Dr.
“Saw Palmetto is a plant extract commonly used as a natural DHT blocker.
“It is often found in supplements intended to promote prostate health and may have some impact on hair loss.
“Some studies suggest that pumpkin seed oil may help inhibit DHT production.
“Another herbal remedy from the bark of the African cherry tree, called Pygeum Bark Extract, is sometimes included in supplements that target DHT-related problems.
“Certain compounds in green tea, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may have moderate DHT-blocking properties.
“Nettle root is believed to help inhibit DHT production and is sometimes included in hair loss supplements.”
Hair growth oils, sprays and supplements
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“Hair oils can be helpful in preventing breakage,” she said.
“As our hair grows from the roots, the ends of the hair move away from the scalp and in turn move away from the protective oils that the scalp produces.
“Combine this lack of oil with environmental hair stressors like heat, friction and bleaching, and the lengths of your hair can dry out, become more brittle and be more prone to split ends and breakage.
“Some oils act as heat protectants and make hair glide more easily over each other, so it doesn’t break due to mechanical damage.”
Coconut oil and argan oil can help improve shine and moisture in the hair shaft.
Dr.
Rosemary oil has become popular among beauty enthusiasts for treating hair loss.
However, Dr. Rashid said the claims are based on a 6-month study that did not include a placebo group.
She revealed that rosemary oil has been found to be as effective as 2% Minoxidil for male pattern baldness, but treatments typically use 5%.
HAIR CARE HEROES
“Caffeine and saw palmetto, often found in topical hair growth treatments, are best suited for early-stage hair loss,” says Dr.
“Ingredients like panthenol and amino acids or peptides can temporarily lift and plump hair for a fuller appearance.
“Hydrolyzed proteins and collagen can strengthen and increase the volume of hair strands.
“Ingredients like hyaluronic acid act as humectants and attract water into them. This can help hydrate your scalp.
“Coconut oil and argan oil can help improve shine and moisture in the hair shaft.”
SCALP SAVIORS
Dr. Rashid said her patients have seen a boost in confidence by focusing on scalp health, as it is the “foundation” for hair growth.
“By addressing issues like inflammation, dryness, or excessive scalp oil, we can help keep hair follicles healthy, resulting in healthy hair,” she said.
“Patients who followed scalp care routines noticed positive changes in their natural hair, such as increased thickness and reduced hair loss.
“Recovery time for various hair loss problems can be influenced by the phases of the hair growth cycle and the proportion of strands in each phase.
“It also depends on the underlying cause of the hair loss.”
Telogen effluvium describes excessive shedding caused by stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or medications.
“Because telogen hairs typically remain in the resting phase for approximately 3 months, hair loss due to telogen effluvium typically becomes noticeable 2 to 3 months after the triggering event,” said Dr.
“Once the underlying cause is treated and the hair growth cycle normalizes, hair regrowth can occur within several months as new hair enters the anagen (growth) phase and replaces lost strands.
“Nothing happens quickly. The hair growth cycle is a slow process.
“Prevention and immediate intervention are key.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
